Chelsea’s point at Anfield saw them slip further behind in the title chase, but what else happened in the weekend Premier League action?
Manchester City remained eight points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s team came from behind at half-time away from the home for the first time since 1994 to win 2-1 at Huddersfield Town, courtesy of a Sergio Aguero penalty and a Raheem Sterling winner. Huddersfield had taken the lead just before the break, only to concede the penalty straight after the break as the City juggernaut continues to break records.
Jose Mourinho felt that his side had played with “too many attackers” in their 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. Mourinho felt that Brighton deserved more from the game after Ashley Young’s deflected effort grabbed United all three points.
Jurgen Klopp was “happy” and Antonio Conte felt Chelsea had “dominated the game” in the 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield. Mo Salah scored once again for Liverpool before Willian came off the bench and saw his attempted cross chip Simon Mignolet to equalise. The result saw Liverpool drop out of the top four.
Arsenal have replaced them following Alexis Sanchez’s injury-time penalty at Turf Moor. Once again Burnley have fallen to Arsene Wenger’s men in injury time and the result gives Arsenal hope of pushing on as we move into December. Burnley were well organised and will feel they deserved a share of the spoils.
Southampton rarely score one at St Mary’s, let alone four so will have enjoyed every moment of their 4-1 hammering of beleaguered Everton. In his post-match press conference Everton caretaker David Unsworth stopped just short of begging his board to sort out the managerial future of the club as his 5th defeat in seven league games surely rules him out of the running. Everton need to move quickly now as many more performances like this sees a team that spent £40m on a goalkeeper and £50m on a midfielder in a relegation battle.
Trying to claw their way out of the relegation zone are Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace and they recovered to beat Stoke City 2-1 at Selhurst Park. Mamadou Sakho scored a last-minute winner to give Palace all three points and move them to within sight of the other clubs in danger.
One of those clubs is certainly Swansea City who will feel aggrieved not to have beaten Bournemouth at the Liberty Stadium. Wilfried Bony had a goal disallowed which would have give the Swans a valuable three points and with the likes of Tony Pulis now on the market it will be interesting to see how much longer the club give Paul Clement.
Gary Megson says he has the taste for management once again having led West Bromwich Albion to a 1-1 draw at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur. Salomon Rondon gave the Baggies an early lead before Harry Kane saved Spurs with an equaliser from Dele Alli’s cross. Alan Pardew is believed to be coming into the Hawthorns this week.
Another manager being linked with a new job is Watford’s Marco Silva, but many feel he would be foolish to trade in his over-performing Watford side for the struggle at Everton. Watford went to Newcastle United and won easily, 3-0. Many managers have moved from “a smaller club” to Everton and lived to regret it so it will be interesting to see where Silva is come the New Year.